The 11 Best Warming Lubes That Heat Things Up in the Best Way Possible

Photo: Getty Images/LWA-Dana Tardif
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You know that tingly, fuzzy, squirm-in-your-seat sensation you get when you're suddenly "in the mood"? Bottle that, and you have yourself a warming lubricant. These sexy slicks can literally turn the heat up on your sex life, increasing blood flow where and when you need it most. And we've got a list of the best warming lubes to stock your bedside table with right here.

Why warming lube?

Before we get to our best picks, it helps to understand how warming lubes help in the first place. Some people like to experiment with how different sensations, warm or cool, bring pleasure in the first place. Others might need a little help getting in the mood, which is where these lovely lubes can really help. Keira L. Barr, MD, a physician, menopause specialist and ambassador for the wellness company, Lyma, explains through periods of stress, hormonal changes, and menopause, vaginas can experience more dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.

"Estrogen is key for the normal functioning of the skin and blood vessels. It’s also key for collagen production, increased skin thickness, increased hyaluronic acid production, improved skin barrier function, and maintaining skin hydration," she says. "As our hormones diminish in menopause, the functions they perform to maintain the health and vitality of the skin diminish as well, characterized by a decrease in skin hydration, including lubrication... Add in the impact of life’s daily stressors and a lack of quality sleep from shifting hormones—hello, hot flashes—and it’s a double whammy for drying up your intimate bits."

Layer on a tank in libido and desire, and getting "in the mood" is easier said than done. That's where warming lube can help—just as long as you have the right one.

Warming lube ingredients to look for and avoid

As with most products that go in, on, or around our sexual organs, you need to be diligent about the ingredient list. Warming lubes should leave you tingly or more aroused—not running for the closest ice bath because your vulva feels like it's on fire. To avoid a not-so-hot experience, Dr. Barr suggest avoiding the obvious no-nos, like alcohol, parabens, and if you have really sensitive skin, fragrances. Less obvious ones, like menthol and capsaicin, should be researched, too. They're not necessarily bad, but they can cause adverse reactions, so you should avoid them if you're looking for a lube for sensitive skin.

"Some lubes may have mentholated ingredients, have compounds derived from red peppers, or chemicals that can cause tissue dehydration, which is the exact opposite of the desired effect," Dr. Barr says. "In addition to the warming additives that can be irritating, some water-based lubes may include chemical preservatives, like glycerin and propylene glycol, which may be sensitizing for some people’s skin and create uncomfortable sex."

Tl;dr—if there's any ingredient you wouldn't put on your skin, you probably don't want it near your vulva. Dr. Barr says bad ingredients layered with sex-induced skin friction can ultimately leave you inflamed and vulnerable to infection. Try to stick to natural ingredients you patch test on your inner arm first.

It's also equally important to be aware of how well different types of lubes play with your bedroom accessories. Not all lubes can be used on silicone toys or contraceptives."For instance, knowing whether your lube is compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene condoms, or polyurethane condoms helps you choose your  protection accordingly,"  Dr. Barr says.

"And above all, get really curious about why you may need or want to use lube. Given how significantly stress and sleep can impact your hormonal balance, and in turn your level of lubrication, tune in to your body and what it really needs so you can fully support your libido, lubrication and level of pleasure to maximize your sexual experience," Dr. Barr adds.

'Nuff said. Light your fire with the best warming lubes your money can buy below.

The best warming lubes your money can buy 

Foria Sex Oil warming lube
Foria, Intimacy Sex Oil with CBD — $44.00

While Foria’s Intimacy Oil isn’t touted as a warming lube, we can confirm: things heat up fast. That’s because this sleek, silky oil works to naturally stimulate blood flow and arouse you in all the right places. It’s made with two ingredients (coconut oil and broad-spectrum CBD), so it’s about as minimalist as you can get, and the warm sensations? Talk about hot.

Mojo Horny Goat Weed Lube, warming lube
Mojo, Warming Horny Goat Weed Glide — $19.00

The name alone should let you know things get spicy when this lube is in play. While it does contain glycerin, there’s a load of other natural warming ingredients that will turn the heat up in the best way possible. Of course, there’s nature’s aphrodisiac horny goat weed, as well as extracts of cinnamon bark, ginger, and goji fruit.

Promescent, Warming Female Arousal Gel, warming lube
Promescent, Warming Female Arousal Gel — $20.00

Like Foria’s gel, this isn’t technically a lube, it’s an arousal serum. Rather than slathering it on like a lube, you just lightly dab on and around the clitoris and wait for it to warm up. It doesn’t take long—most reviews say that things heated up in five minutes or less. For $20, it’s an easy way to spice up partner or solo play.

Wicked Ultra Heat Lube, warming lube
Wicked, Ultra Heat Personal Lubricant — $25.00

This silicone-based lube is another steamy option for heating things up. There’s no glycerin, parabens, fragrances, or animal byproducts, however, there is silicone, so be weary before using with certain condoms or toys. The flavored lube is blended with natural extracts like cinnamon bark and vanilla that turn the temps whether you’re alone or with a partner.

Sliquid Sizzle, warming lube
Sliquid Organics, Sizzle — $19.00

True to its name, Sizzle will leave you sizzling. The water-based formula is friendly with just about everything, and it’s completely free from anything you wouldn’t want in a beauty product, like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. However, there is food-grade menthol, so if you’re prone to dryness, no before you squeeze. Otherwise, sit back and feel the burn (in a good way, of course.)

Lubulicious Feel the Heat lube, warming lube
Lubilicious, Warming Lube — $15.00

We can’t decide what we love more: the warm, tingly sensation this personal lubricant brings, its groovy name, or the vintage inspired branding on every bottle. It’s designed to mimic the natural body, so that warming sensation feels a lot more real and closer to your body’s natural lubricant than other products. Take it from us—a drop of this stuff is, indeed, lubilicious.

Pulse Aloe warming Lube
Pulse, Aloe-ahh (Pack of 6) — $27.00

Pulse’s aloe-based lube isn’t technically warming on its own. But warmed up in the Pulse Warmer ($199) and you’ve got yourself a safe, hydrating slick that’ll leave you totally satisfied. Between the aloe and the vitamin E, you’ll feel moisturized and nourished hours after play time.

Astroglide Warming Personal Lubricant
Astroglide Warming Personal Lubricant — $9.00

Water-based and vegan, the Astroglide lube has a gentle warming sensation. It’s long-lasting and you can use it with rubber latex condoms, so you can use it either with a partner or for solo play. It’s affordable, too, so you can feel free to stock up on a few bottles.

JO H2O Water Based Warming Personal Lubricant
JO H2O Water Based Warming Personal Lubricant — $13.00

This JO warming lube is water-based and made with plant-based glycerin, making it smooth, easy to clean up, and compatible with rubber latex condoms and most toys. It’s fragrance-free so you don’t have to worry about any distracting smells, and you can get it in a four or eight-ounce bottle.

K-Y Warming Liquid Lubricant
K-Y Warming Liquid Lubricant — $19.00

KY’s warming liquid lubricant is lightweight and smooth, and provides a gentle warmth that can help things heat up in the bedroom. It’s non-greasy, compatible with latex condoms, and unscented. Best of all, it comes in a two-pack.

K-Y Yours + Mine Couples Lubricant
K-Y Yours + Mine Couples Lubricant

This two-for-one pack comes with two different lubes. The water-based “for her” lube provides a tingling sensation, and the glycerin-based “for him” one provides a warming sensation. You can use them separately or combine them for more fun, and they can be used with toys (though not with condoms).

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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